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Swine Brucellosis

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Swine brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Brucella suis (B.

suis). It produces chronic inflammatory lesions in the reproductive organs that lead

to abortions, infertility, and birth of weak piglets. The disease can also attack joints,

leading to lameness.
The United States eliminated the disease from commercial swine in 2011. However,

swine brucellosis is still present in wild swine in this country. Pigs exposed to feral

swine are at risk of infection.

Swine brucellosis can infect people. Anyone exposed to infected pigs should contact

their health provider immediately.

What To Look For

Clinical signs may be subtle, such as a slightly reduced birthing rate or a return to

heat after breeding. Infected swine may not show any signs of illness.

When they do show signs, the most common ones include:

Abortion

Temporary or permanent sterility

Swollen testicles

Lameness

Posterior paralysis

Stillborn, mummified, or weak piglets

If you suspect swine brucellosis in your herd, contact an accredited veterinarian.

How To Prevent This Disease

Biosecurity is the best defense against this disease. Producers should:

Use double fencing and other measures to keep pigs away from feral swine.

Source new pigs from validated-qualified (VQ) swine herds. VQ herds are

routinely tested for swine brucellosis and pseudorabies. Buying from a VQ herd

reduces the risk of introducing these diseases into your herd.

Work with an accredited veterinarian to develop a quarantine and testing

regimen for new additions to your herd.

Obtain semen for artificial insemination from verified, disease-free sources.

For more specific recommendations, see our biosecurity resources for swine owners.
How It Is Treated

There is no vaccine or effective treatment for swine brucellosis.

Report Signs of Animal Disease

Producers or owners who suspect an animal disease should contact their

veterinarian to evaluate the animal or herd. Find an accredited veterinarian.

Animal health professionals (veterinarians; diagnostic laboratories; public health,

zoo, or wildlife personnel; and others) report diagnosed or suspected cases of

nationally listed reportable animal diseases to APHIS District Offices and to the State

animal health official as applicable under State reporting regulations. 

Controlling Swine Brucellosis

APHIS' Response

APHIS developed uniform methods and rules (49.33 KB) for eradicating swine

brucellosis from domestic swine in the United States. These minimum methods and

rules were endorsed by swine health practitioners at the annual U.S. Animal Health

Association meeting in 1997 and are still recommended today.

All 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are brucellosis-free. For the

latest updates by State, visit Status of Current Eradication Programs.

Indemnity for Affected Producers

APHIS provides indemnity and compensation to producers to:

Remove animals that are affected, suspected, or exposed to diseases of

concern

Eliminate dangerous viruses from the environment

If your herd is impacted by swine brucellosis, you may qualify for a Federal

indemnity payment to reimburse you for your related losses. To learn more, contact

our Swine Health Center at vs.sp.asep.swine@usda.gov.
Swine Brucellosis in People

Brucellosis can affect people and animals. Learn how to protect yourself, your

family, and your employees from this disease.

External Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Brucellosis

Hunters Risks

The Center for Food Security & Public Health

Disease Information: Brucellosis

Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Research

APHIS Wildlife Services conducts surveillance and research on dozens of wildlife

diseases, including brucellosis and other diseases associated with feral swine. For

more information, visit our National Wildlife Disease Program and National Wildlife

Research Center.